Drug-free Treatment for 5 Key Problems

Real Causes of ADHD

Most ADHD books rehash the same worn out theories and treatments. Instead, ADHD: Drug-free and Doin' Fine and ADHD: A Path to Success offer a new and refreshing perspective on ADHD that resonates with your own personal daily experience.

ADHD is not a deficit, defect or neurological disorder. Rather, it is a highly refined, short-term coping skill that backfires in the long-run. Children adapt to unpleasant situations at school and home the same way adults do, by building emotional defenses. They make themselves more comfortable by learning to automatically divert their attention away from the trigger for unpleasant feelings.

Fortunately, extinguishing these bad feelings and the resulting

Homework Help Hell

When homework help becomes a struggle between children and parents, it can trigger escalating emotions including yelling, stomping, breaking things, physical violence, and running away. This, in turn, often triggers similar emotions in parents and more pressure on the child, thus more arousal in the child and less attention to homework. Night after night, the same pattern is repeated, often cycling to greater extremes.

For many kids, just the thought of homework gets them agitated, angry, anxious, and bored. The negative feelings triggered in the child can make doing homework impossible because these emotion drain the attentional resources needed to do the homework. Thus, it is impossible to think clearly. This is similar to not doing well in an argument because you are upset, then later, when you are calm, thinking of all of the brilliant retorts you should have said. Many kids find themselves in an equally emotionally intense and unproductive situation with their homework. Their emotional arousal blocks access to the intellectual knowledge and skill necessary to do assignments. Until the emotions are resolved, efforts at skill development and task completion are ineffective.

Reading & Math Problems

Most learning problems I see are just learned phobias, most typically to reading and math. Conditioned emotions, particularly anxiety,drain children's attentional resources so there is little left to focus on the task. The behavioral signs of this emotional arousal are often obvious: wiggling, grimacing, or complaining for example. No one can learn efficiently when they are this upset. Emotions drain attentional resources (working memory) so that there is little left to do school work. Nonetheless, we somehow expect children to be able to do this and label them learning-disabled if they cannot.

Though this can effect any subject, reading and math are particularly vulnerable because both require storing a series of steps and information in short-term working memory. Reading comprehension requires storing the last several words in short-term memory. When emotions absorb working memory, children are unable to store enough words to create meaning. Thus, poor reading comprehension.

Likewise, math problems require remembering and doing a series of steps. Emotional arousal absorbs the working memory necessary to remember the steps. Thus, the child does not know what step to do next. When this phobic emotional arousal is extinguished, children often made dramatic progress in reading, math as well as other areas.

Social Skills Deficit

Many children who struggle in social situations are misdiagnosed with Aspergers syndrome, rather than the more accurate social anxiety inhibiting the expression of social skills. To tell the difference, watch how social performance changes in different situations. If there are situations, such as with familiar adults, family members or siblings, where social performance is better than others situations, such as with peers, then you know that the child possesses the social skills, but they are inhibited in some situations, probably by social anxiety. In this case, social skills training, coaching, etc. are seldom effective because you are teaching the child skills he already has. However, extinction of the social anxiety that inhibits these skills is usually very effective in helping the child demonstrate their already present social skills, everywhere.

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These children want to be accepted by their peers, However, they are very hurt and frustrated by their lack of social success. This negative feedback increases social anxiety, which further inhibits the expression of social skills. As this feedback loop iterates, dealing with social situations becomes increasingly uncomfortable. Because of this consistent negative social feedback, many of these children become depressed, anxious and angry. This just compounds their social difficulties by further paralyzing them in social situations.

Behavior Problems

Behavior problems usually begin with the child's attempts to avoid bad feelings such as anxiety, anger or embarrassment, and unintentionally reinforced by adults’ and peers’ responses to them. This is how it works.

Children show their bad feelings in behaviors such as wiggling, outbursts and making sounds. Occasionally, it will catch the attention of peers or adults and trigger a response from them. No matter how this reaction was intended, it acts as a social reinforcer for repeating the misbehavior. The more he repeats it, the more they respond to it, etc.

As this spirals out of control, adults continue because they implicitly believe a child misbehaves because he does not understand what he is supposed to do. Thus, they continue to tell him how he erred, what his choices are, etc. However, in the hundreds of children I have seen, I have yet to meet the one that, in a calm moment, could not tell me how they should behave. Thus, lack of knowledge of appropriate behavior is not the problem. Rather, this is a self-reinforcing, emotionally driven feedback loop in which he is being reinforced for misbehavior!

adhd

• Children with ADHD
  

  What really causes ADHD and what you can do about it without drugs.

  ADHD is not a deficit, disorder or neurological defect, but a highly refined skill that backfires. It is a learned defense mechanism that can be unlearned. Find out how it is not a lifetime curse that has to be accepted but a very treatable obstacle. Read about the non-pathological neurology of ADHD.

• School is where many ADHD problems appear
  

  School can be a cause or cure of ADHD

  School can help cause or cure ADHD children depending on whether they understand it from a "deficit" or a "learning" model. If they treat it as a deficit, the very things they do to help are likely to make it worse. However, if schools understand how it is created and maintained by learning, then they can be a very positive force for remediation.

• Family dynamics are part of ADHD
  

  The Family's experience of ADHD is intertwined with the child's experience of ADHD

  Treating the family is an inseparable part of treating the ADHD child. Families have to change to solve the ADHD problem. Because of this, I only treat ADHD families and not children by themselves.

• ADHD treatment is a systems, multi-faceted process for the whole family
  

  Drug-free treatment of ADHD is a family effort

  Though children are diagnosed with ADHD, it is really families who have ADHD. To treat ADHD, you first have to understand how it functions in the family system to know exactly where and how to intervene. When the family system changes, the child's ADHD improves.

• Mis-Therapy is when good therapeutic intentions make the problem worse not better
  

  The best intended therapeutic efforts based on a misunderstanding of the problem can make it worse.

   It is not good intentions that make things better, but it is effective procedures based on an accurate understanding of the problem that are therapeutic. This is a collection of articles discussing how bright, caring, well intended helpers end up making things worse.

• WebCAER Help
  

  Instructions on how to use WebCAER affectively

  To be effective, WebCAER has to be used on a regular basis and employ specific procedures. it should not be used as a punishment but as a tool  to turn upsetting situations and into growth opportunities. When use regularly, it is very effective for wide range of adult and child emotional problems.

• Homework problems and solutions
  

  Helping with homework too often turns into Homework Help Hell

  Though helping with homework is an essential part of parenting, it often turns into misery for everyone. Successful homework completion depends upon a clear understanding of why do homework in the first place as well as parents implementing effective procedures.

• Homework Messenger Help
  

  Instructions for parents and teachers using the Homework Messenger

  Both teachers and parents should read the Overview of the Homework Messenger before they read the instructions specific to them.

  Every program function is explained in three ways, 1) tool tip popups  2) inline Text Hints and 3) a help file (this document). For context sensitive help, if you do not know what a particular element does, put your cursor over it and a line of text will be displayed which describes that feature.

   

• Book and treatment reviews from Amazon.com
  

  Many of these book reviews are from of patients and thus described their experience in treatment.

  Descriptions from other parents who have been through my treatment program are often one of the best ways to forecast how treatment would go for your family. Since what I do is very different from traditional treatment, reading my books is also a very important part of understanding whether my treatment technology would be useful for your family

   

• Drugs for ADHD
  

  Reveiw of the risks and benefits of drugs for ADHD

   In February of 2006, an FDA advisory panel recommended the most serious warning label (i.e., "black box" safety warning) for these ADHD medications, due to an increased risk for severe cardiovascular problems in adults and children. Studies have shown an increased risk for heart attack, stroke, high blood pressure (hypertension), and abnormal heart beat (arrhythmia).

• Stimulant drugs for ADHD
  

  Chemical imbalance … nonsense.

  In my days as a car mechanic, there was a standard joke when you couldn’t get something to work. Another mechanic would say, “just get a bigger hammer”. That is what these meds are, a bigger hammer. And sure, a bigger hammer would usually get what was stuck unstuck. It was a joke because though you can change things with a bigger hammer,  there was usually so much damage from the hammer that you had a bigger problem after using the hammer than before it. So be it with mechanics' hammer and ADHD drugs. Yes, it is clear from ADHD medication research that these drugs can get your child’s behavior and attention “unstuck” for a while. However, you are very likely to end up with a bigger problem than you started with.

  When one medication is not successful parents are often asks to try another under the pretense that “some children respond better to one medication than another”. This creates the illusion that there is a significant difference in the stimulant medications for ADHD. In a very limited since this is true. There are minor differences, not profound differences in medications. The reason there are so many different ADHD medications is not because each medication is a new and great step forward from the last, but because it is a very lucrative drug market. Thus, competing drug companies have their chemists create new drugs so they do not infringe upon each other’s patents. The most important difference in the various stimulants is the length of their action.
  
  Early drugs such as Dexedrine, and Ritalin, Focalin, Adderll, Methlyn etc. lasted from two to five hours. They typically have to be take 2 to 3 times per day. They often produce a rebound effect when they wear off. Long acting drugs may last 10 to 12 hours.

  Generally the longer acting drugs are preferred because of there sustained benefits during school, requiring no mid day dose and less rebound when they wear off.

• Dexedrine treatment of ADHD
  

  Though Dexedrine was one of the first stimulants used for ADHD, it is no longer common

  Dexedrine was developed in the 1920's and initially used to treat depression and obesity, but since then, stringent controls have greatly reduced medical us.

  The use of Dexedrine to control hyperactive children with behavior problems has been known since the 1920's, but drug trials were not conducted until the early 1930's. Dextroamphetamine was approved by the FDA in 1958.

  In the 1950's the semi-synthetic derivative, methylphenidate, was developed and marketed as Ritalin. It was supposed to minimize the side effects of appetite suppression and insomnia. Since the targeted patients were always children, Ritalin became the medication of choice for treating ADHD. Though a new compound of Dexedrine,  Addderall, is coming back into favor because of its longer action.

  It has stronger side effects on  appetite suppression and insomnia, but often it is "smoother" than Ritalin and patients are more comfortable with it. Ritalin tends to cause more nausea or stomach discomfort, and may produce more moodiness. Both Ritalin and Dexedrine have short acting forms that last about 4 hours. 

  It comes in both long and short acting forms. The short acting tablet comes in 5 mg dosages, and reaches a peak level two hours after administration. The longer acting spansule is available in 5 mg, 10 mg, and 15 mg sizes and reaches a peak blood level eight to 10 hours after administration. This permits once daily dosing with the spansule.

  Side effects are: agitation/irritability, insomnia, dry mouth, headache, nausea, weight loss. Other side effects are reduced stature, ticks, "zombie" demeanor, stomach aches, moodiness and if its similarities to Ritalin hold, 

  5 mg For ages 3 -5 years:
  starting dose is 2.5 mg of tablet. Increase by 2.5 mg at weekly intervals, increasing first dose or adding / increasing a noon dose, until effective.
  
  For 6 years and over, start with 5 mg once or twice daily. May increase total daily dose by 5 mg per week until reach optimal level. Tablet is given on awakening. Over 6 years, one or two additional doses may be given at 4-6 hour intervals. Usually not need more than 40 mg/day.

  Side effects: Insomnia, decreased appetite, weight loss, headache, irritability, stomachache.

  Rebound agitation or exaggeration of pre-medication symptoms as it is wearing off.

  May also elicit psychotic symptoms.

  Onset in 30-60 minutes. Duration about 4-5 hours. Approved for children under 6. Good safety record.

  Somewhat longer action than short acting methylphenidate. Use cautiously in patients with marked anxiety, motor tics or with family history of Tourette syndrome, or history of substance abuse. Don't use if glaucoma or on MAOI. Dexedrine has high abuse potential particularly in tablet form.

   

• Adderall stimulant treatment for ADHD
  

  Adderall is one of the more popular stimulants for ADHD

   Adderall is made by Richwood Pharmaceuticals, and was previously known as 'Obetral'. The dosage of Adderall is roughly equivalent to a comparable dose of Dexedrine. Adderall tablets consist of equal amounts of Amphetamine and Dextroamphetamine, with both short and long-acting preparations. The therapeutic effect is apparently more subtle and smooth than other preparations. Its lasts 6-9 hours.

  Important points to note when prescribing or taking Adderall:

  It provides therapeutic cover for a full school day.

  Adderall has been used for 'impulse-control.'

  Adderall has a distinct anorexic effect and therefore management of diet, especially in children, is essential.

  Because Adderall has a slow onset of action and a sloped drop-off of action, anxiety induced at the onset of action and rebound at drop-off is reduced over other stimulants

  Adderall  for ADHD
  Canada Regulators Order Adderll  Withdrawn
  This is written assuming you have read my general discussion of 
  
  Adderall is the new variation on one of the first stimulants,  which is designed a more even effect over about six hours per dose.  It is a mixture of four different amphetamine salts (Dexedrine)  - Dextroamphetamine Saccharate, Amphetamine Aspartate, Dextroamphetamine Sulfate, and Amphetamine Sulfate. This mix of salts was first developed about 20 years ago  by Rexar and marketed under the name Obetrol, for  "diet control." The medication was approved by the Federal Drug Administration for ADHD in 1996.
   
  A dose remains active in the body longer than a dose of Ritalin. Some patients feel that it has less of a drop off effect than Ritalin.  It is also reported to be  subjectively less "harsh" than Ritalin. Tablets are taken orally once or twice a day. It comes in tablets of 5mg, 10mg, 20mg and 30mg.
  
  After a few doses the effects can be felt, but additional time is usually required to achieve the full effect. This may require changes in dosing. Most people can achieve maximum effect in 3 to 4 weeks.
  A single-dose of Adderall appears to be as effective as 2 daily doses of Ritalin. This increases the possibility of administering it without involving the school in giving. In addition, children who have previously been unsuccessfully treated with Ritalin because of adverse side effects or poor response may be respond better to it.

  
  Since it is just a new mix of different chemical forms of Dexedrine, most of what one would say about  one would also say about it.
  
  The most common side effects, whether the patient is an adult or child, are restlessness, dizziness, insomnia, headache, dryness of the mouth, and weight loss. Other side effects  of stimulant drugs are reduced stature, ticks, "zombie" demeanor, stomach aches, moodiness and  . There have been 11 reported cases of psychotic reaction.  It has a high potential for abuse and addiction, especially among people who do not have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
  It may be a little better choice of medication than Ritalin because it is less harsh and has less peaks and valleys.
   

   

• Focalin stimulant treatment for ADHD
  

  Focalin is a refined form of Ritalin use for treatment of ADHD

  Focalin is a type of Ritalin that contains only the more active d-isomer of methylphenidate. The l-isomer, which is essentially inert, is left out. Because of this, the usual dose of Focalin is half that of Ritalin. However, since what was left out was largely inert, your adhd child gets the same amount of active amphetamine. There is really nothing new in this drug.

  Side Effects of Focalin

  Adverse events reported from Focalin are typical of other amphetamines used to treat ADHD. They include stomach pain, fever, anorexia and nausea abnormal heartbeat, abnormal muscular movements, allergic reactions including skin rash, anemia, blood pressure changes, blood vessel inflammation or blockage in the brain, chest pain, depression, dizziness, drowsiness, emotional instability marked by abnormal thinking or hallucinations, hair loss, headache, hives, joint pain, palpitations, purplish skin spots or bruises, severe skin rash, skin inflammation with peeling, Tourette's syndrome, and vomiting.

  There is no information about the safety and effectiveness of long-term treatment in children.

  Over a long period of time addiction and tolerance can develop.

  Counter Indications

  It should not be used by people who suffer from anxiety, tension, and agitation, since the drug may aggravate these symptoms. It should not be taken by anyone with glaucoma, tics or someone who suffers from, or has a family history of Tourette's syndrome.

  The mode of therapeutic action is not known.

  Dosage

  Usually divided into 2 doses taken at least 4 hours apart. It may be increase by 2.5 to 5 milligrams a day, up to a maximum daily dose of 20 milligrams (10 milligrams twice a day)

   

• Ritalin stimulant treatment for ADHD
  

  Ritalin use for ADHD has been the focus of controversy

  Because Ritalin is the most frequently prescribed stimulant drug for ADHD and ADD children, it has been the focus of much of the controversy about stimulant drugs. This controversy has included media coverage and class action lawsuits against  Novaris, the manufacturer.

  Ritalin "works" on children in the same way that related stimulants  like Cocaine work on adults — sharpening the short-term attention span when the drug kicks in and producing equally predictable valleys ("coming down," in street parlance; "rebounding," in Ritalinese) when the effect wears off. It is often referred to as "Kiddie Cocaine."

  Just as predictably, children are subject to the same adverse effects as adults imbibing such drugs, with the two most common being appetite suppression and insomnia. Other side effects are reduced stature, ticks, "zombie" demeanor, stomach aches, moodiness and function Long-term use  has also been linked to abnormalities in brain development similar to those found with Cocaine. In one recent study, 9% of children taking Ritalin developed psychotic symptoms.

   

• Concerta is a long acting form of Ritalin
  

  Concerta is preferred to Ritalin because it lasts longer and its effect is more even

  Concerta is a reformulation of Ritalin for sustained delivery. Like Ritalin, Concerta "works" on children in the same way that related stimulants like Cocaine work on adults — sharpening the short-term attention span when the drug kicks in and producing equally predictable valleys ("coming down," in street parlance; "rebounding," in Ritalinese) when the effect wears off. Because it releases over several hours it delivers a smoother dose over about twelve hours, the peaks and valleys are not as pronounced. Since both are methylphenidate, they are often referred to as "Kiddie Cocaine."

   

• Metadate is a sustained release form of Ritalin
  

  Metadate may be preferred to Ritalin because this longer and smoother acting

   There is nothing new about Metadate CD. It is just a reformulation of Ritalin for sustained delivery. Most information that applies to  Ritalin  and Concerta also applies here. Metadate is similar to Adderall, and Concerta. Both may be preferred to Ritalin because of their longer, more even action.

  Because Metadate releases over several hours it delivers a smoother dose throughout the day. Sustained delivery can be important for kids with after-school activities and homework. Once-a-day medication for ADHD can help to eliminate the feelings of embarrassment that children may feel when taking medication during of the school day or after-school activities.

  It seems to be superior to Ritalin Sustained Release because Ritalin loses its effectiveness after 6 hours.

  Like Ritalin the most common side effects reported were h eadache, loss of appetite, abdominal pain and insomnia. Other side effects are reduced stature, ticks, "zombie" demeanor, stomach aches, moodiness and  death.

  There are some disadvantages to Metadate:

  You can't cut the pill (or chew it) because that will destroy the release mechanism.

  You can't control the dosing to account for mealtimes; patients are not likely to feel hungry until the entire dose wears off.

  It comes in 10 and 20 mg tablets.

   

• Daytrana methylphenidate (ritalin) patch treatment for ADHD
  

  Daytrana is the Ritalin patch

  Chemically, Daytrana is just a Ritalin. However it's unique skin patch delivery system of methylphenidate provides coverage for up to 15 hours.

   

• Vyvanase long acting amphetamine treatment for ADHD
  

  Vyvanase provides unique long acting pro-drug delivery of d-amphetmine

  Vyvanase in a has a long to stimulant similar Adderall or Concerta. It still too new to know whether it has any advantage. Early reports indicate that it may have fewer side effects and a lower abuse potential. However, it is still an amphetamine it holds true for amphetmines is also true for Vyvanase.

   

• Modafinil (Provigil) is not FDA approved treatment for ADHD
  

  Non amphetamine stimulant occasionally

   

  On August 9, 2008 the FDA had issued a nonapprovable letter for the drug for treating children and adolescents with ADHD. 

  Also, May 2006:

  GAITHERSBURG, MD. -- A Food and Drug Administration advisory committee declared that modafinil is not safe for treating ADHD in children and adolescents.

  At a meeting of the FDA's Psychopharmacologic Drugs Advisory Committee, the panel members were mainly concerned about modafinil's potential to cause Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS). The severe rash, which is often due to a hypersensitivity reaction to a drug, can be fatal in up to 5% of cases, according to Dr. Michael E. Bigby of the dermatology department at Harvard Medical School, Boston, and consultant to the panel.

   

• Strattera treatment for ADHD
  

  Non-amphetamine stimulant treatment for ADHD

  Under the Controlled Substances Act, it is not classified as a stimulant and thus is not a controlled class two drug so your doctor can call in refills. However, it is actually stimulating, but less than amphetamines.

   

• Wellbutrin treatment of ADHD and Aspergers
  

  Wellbutrin is availabe in immediate, sustained and extended release

   

  Wellbutrin is an atypical antidepressant that has occasionally been used to treat ADHD and Aspergers Syndrome.

   

• There are three Types of ADHD
  

  The three forms of ADHD are: Inattentive, hyperactive and combined types

  DSM IV describes 3 types of ADHD.

  Inattentive, hyperactive and combined types Hyperactive and combination types of ADHD seem to be more frequent in boys. These children often disrupt class or respond impulsively to correction, which leads to referrals to professionals. The few girls who have been diagnosed with ADHD are more likely to have this type.
  
  In early adolescence there tends to be a transition from Impuslive/hyperactive to inattentive

   

• Lexapro treatment of ADHD
  

  Used for depression and anxiety that may accompany ADHD

  
  Lexapro is SSRI antidepressant which is sometimes prescribed to treat depression that coexists with ADHD.

   

• Paxil for treatment of depression in ADHD
  

  Paxil treatment may have negative side effects upon withdrawal

  Paxil is one of the newer SSRI antidepressants used in the treatment of ADHD and Aspergers.
  
  It is very important to read the Washington Post Article: Quit Paxil and then Zap! Complaints surfaced about stopping drug! located in this category.

   

• Prozac treatment for ADHD
  

  Prozac is the safest SSRI in kids and teens because it is long acting

  • Currently 0/5 Stars.
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  The most important difference between Prozac and other SSRIs is that Prozac remains in your body much longer; this is both good and bad. Prozac's half-life (the time it takes for a drug in the blood to decrease by half of its original dose) is about a week, compared to about a day for Paxil and Zoloft. Up to six weeks after you stop taking the drug, you will still have traces of Prozac in your body. Because it is so long actioning, it is probably the safest SSRI for kids and young teenagers.
  Prozac was the first of a new class of drugs, called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), to be approved in 1987 by the FDA. This new type of medication is believed to help patients with depression and disorders such as ADHD by increasing the availability of serotonin in the brain.
  
  The most important difference between Prozac and other SSRIs is that Prozac remains in your body much longer; this is both good and bad. Prozac's half-life (the time it takes for a drug in the blood to decrease by half of its original dose) is about a week, compared to about a day for Paxil and Zoloft. Up to six weeks after you stop taking the drug, you will still have traces of Prozac in your body. Because it is so long actioning, it is probably the safest SSRI for kids and young teenagers.
  
  However, if you have a bad reaction to Zoloft or Paxil, the unpleasant symptoms may linger for a week or two. But, adverse reactions from this drug can last for up to six weeks after stopping it. There are also benefits to a long half-life. Missing a dose or two of of this medication is unlikely to cause withdrawal effects..
  
  Health authorities in Britain and the United States have voiced concern or advised doctors not to prescribe the drugs known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) to children under 18 because of a potential suicide risk. Scientists say companies had been aware of problems but did not reveal them. There is also recent research clearly demonstrating that drug company research is often biased
  
  
  

  Side Effects of Prozac

  Common:

  sexual dysfunction (40 percent), nausea (21 percent), headache (20 percent), insomnia (14 percent), diarrhea or drowsiness (12 percent)
  

  Less common:

  anxiety, dry mouth, appetite loss, tremor, upper respiratory infection, dizziness
  

  Infrequent:

  fatigue, constipation, abdominal pain, rash, flu-like symptoms, vision problems, congestion, sinus infection, cough, mania
  

  Other side effects:

  nervousness, weakness, tremors, yawning, nervousness, drowsiness, fatigue, asthenia, dizziness, lightheadedness, anorexia, excessive sweating, chills and fever
  

  Counter Indications:

  seizures or epilepsy, even if you're taking anti-seizure medication, serious problems with your liver or kidney
  

  Dosage

  Dosage usually starts out at 10 to 20 milligrams daily. If your symptoms have not improved within a month, the dosage may be increased to up to 40 milligrams. Few people need more than 80 milligrams. However, and some studies suggest that lower doses actually work better. Higher dosages are usually associated with an increased incidence of adverse reactions.
  
  During maintenance therapy, the dosage should be kept at the lowest effective level.
  
  

  Supplied:

  Liquid:

  Each 5 mL clear, colorless, syrup solution, with an odor of mint, contains: Fluoxetine HCl equivalent to fluoxetine 20 mg.
  

  Capsules:

  Each green and grey capsule, printed with Lilly 3104
  20 mg: Each green and white capsule, printed with Lilly 31 Prozac Weekly,
  
  

  Drug Interactions

  MAO inhibitor (such as Parnate® or Nardil®) within the past 2 weeks, alcohol, blood thinners such as Coumadin®, digoxin (Lanoxin®), Tryptophan; medicines that can make you sleepy, such as sleeping pills; some cold or allergy medicines, strong pain killers, muscle relaxers, or tranquilizers such as Thioridazine
  Since Prozac can substantially elevate the level caffeine in your blood, people who continue their same level of coffee, tea, or cola ingestion while taking this drug could suffer caffeine intoxication

   

• Remeron treatment for ADHD stimulant side effects
  

  Improves sleep and appetitie

  Remeron (mirtazapine) is a relatively new anti-depressant that was developed in 1996 to treat adults with major depression. It tends to improve sleep and appetite. This may be helpful to treat these stimulant side effects - especially in preadolescent boys who are seldom interested in losing weight.

   

• SSRI antidepressant drugs treatment of ADHD
  

  Drug companies have not disclosed the dangers of SSRI antidepressants prescribed to children

  Drug companies withheld information showing antidepressants were ineffective and could be harmful to children and should have issued warnings on their products. Health authorities in Britain and the United States have voiced concern or advise doctors not to prescribe the drugs known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) to children under 18 because of the potential suicide risk.

  Selective serotonin uptake inhibitors are a new class of antidepressant drugs that has been increasingly used for symptom reduction ADHD.  However, there is currently no scientific evidence that serotonin modulators such as Paxil help ADHD.  Paxil has a very weak modulating effect on norepinephrine, but this is not believed to be clinically relevant (unless one takes very high doses).  Most SSRI's, including Paxil, will actually lower dopamine levels.

  Antidepressants carry a strong warning regarding their use in children and adolescents. This warning admonishes doctors and parents that  "Patients who are started on therapy should be observed closely for clinical worsening, suicidality, or unusual changes in behavior".
• Anti-Hypertensive Drug treatment of ADHD
  

  High blood pressure meds used for ADHD

  These drugs are normally prescribed for high blood pressure. However, their sedative and tranquilizing effects have caused them to be used for ADHD and anger control.

   

• Anti-psychotic drugs for ADHD
  

  These are very powerful drugs with many serious side effects

  This class of drugs are generally used to treat adult psychotic conditions such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder (manic depression). However, I occasionally see them prescribed for children who have ADHD, which worries me. If your physician prescribes one of these drugs for your child, get a second opinion.

   

• Risperdal for children with aspergers and PDD
  

  The use of risperdal with aspergers or PDD children a concern

  Risperdal (Risperidone) is an antipsychotic drug developed, tested, approved and used to treatment disorganized or psychotic thinking in adults. Extrapolating from use with adults, it is prescribed as an “ Off-Label” (not FDA approved) use for Autistic Spectrum Disorders such as Aspergers Syndrome and Pervasive Developmental Disorders in children. For a discussion of the wisdom this extrapolation read see article, Doctors Dilemma on this website.

   

• Zoloft not for ADHD and Aspergers children
  

  Hostility and agression are documented side-effects of Zoloft

  Zoloft , (sertraline HCl) is has recently become more widely used to treat ADHD Aspergers Syndrome. However, drug companies withheld information showing antidepressants were ineffective and could be harmful to children and should have issued warnings on their products. Health authorities in Britain and the United States have voiced concern or advised doctors not to prescribe the drugs known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) to children under 18 because of a potential suicide risk.

   

• Celexa not effective for ADHD
  

  Little evidence that Celexa is effective for ADHD

  Celexa is another new selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) that is FDA-approved to treat depression, but is also being used in an off-label capacity to treat those with ADHD and Aspergers Syndrome. There is very little evidence suggesting that Celexa is an effective treatment for these conditions, however it may decrease co-existing anxiety and depression.